5th Anniv Tribute – Patron Saint of Street Artists
History reminds us, it is a powerful teacher…
photo by Nancy Bechtol
5th Anniv Tribute – Patron Saint of Street Artists!
History reminds us, it is a powerful teacher…
Chicago Film
Chicago’ “Free Speech..”Film Thanks:..a painfully gritty true story
Chicago ‘Free Speech’ Film thanks: a painfully gritty true story
11.14.14 Marked Chicago and World Premiere of “Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” screened at the Logan Theatre. Local is best. Special thanks To the media the Reader, Sun-Times, Logan TV and DNAinfo, Chicago Talks, Mark Thomas of the Alley Stores for the great collector buttons given at the premiere, and all those who blogged and grassroots rallied to support this journey and NOW indie feature film. You are the best! The thank you list is a good 3 pages long on the film credits, several of Chris Drew’s former students were there, Lew & Diana – with beautiful flyers and ongoing People’s Tribune tributes to Chris, as well as his widow Deborah, attorney Mark Weinberg, and (includes spiritual advisors and inspirations) John Lennon, Martin Luther King and Gandhi, his probono attorneys Weinberg and Kutnick, Music courtesy of Hey Now Records/’Paper Airplane’, by Behind the Sun-Alton & Mansfield, ( along with the ACLU, APA, CANTV, Occupy Critical Mass and our Public Servants(who legally can and will be recorded in public), and more. so many more…all listed in the film ) Special thanks to the crew who supported the film Ron Grenko and Hermann Wieland, and David Bechtol, Technical Supervisor and fixer of all things, without him this film would not have been made. Thanks for all who were there in person and in spirit! an excellent audience, we nearly filled the 102 seat theatre. very well attended! What an experience to see so many people and, most I did not know… that was amazing. The film is now for history, forever.
above, is the Poster in lobby next to all the REAL movies! 27×39″ mine is 2nd from the left….”into the woods” ah yes, the journey was long to make this DIY indie, but worth every joy and sorrow, those who make films, know deeply what I mean. Peace through Justice. May the Chris Drew story of social justice radiate. The truth IS out there. Art IS Speech! In any way you can, tell the stories of our lives. ~Nancy Bechtol
Patron Saint of Street Artists|Defender of Free Speech|Chicago’s Own
Patron Saint of Street Artists | Free Speech|Defender of the 1st Amendment Chris DREW
The Legacy of Chicago’s Own: Chris Drew, Street Artist. Artist, Advocate and Activist
…Upon hearing of his VICTORY over the Class 1 Felony Eavesdropping charges, after showing his passion, his determination to ensure and declare “Art IS Speech” , for his Challenges and mandate to abolishing the Peddler’s Ordinance (which he never got to challenge due to the most unexpected switch to felony upon arrest) to his withstanding the trials of grueling 2.5 years of court battle, (with probono Attorney Mark Weinberg, and probono Attorney Joshua Kutnick, his most strong archangels in defense) to his faith that the people, especially those who are most vulnerable against the dark forces, that all shall have 1st Amendment Rights, to Free Speech”
Chris Drew RIP (1950-2012) was heralded Patron Saint of Street Artists (first proclaimed by Kingdom, a street artist himself) and additionally, Defender of Free Speech!
and now the truth, the rest of the story, for all time, for history, as given to me, slowly revealed in many ways, and sometimes through dreams by all the powers that be, I now give you
the film.
11.14.14 Friday. Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre. doors open 6:30 screens at 7:30 p
Recommended by the Chicago Reader
~Nancy Bechtol, artist, inspired educator, filmmaker
Chris Drew: TRUTH on the “?” of Switch from Pedding Charges to Felony Eavesdropping
Chris Drew speaks on “?” of Peddling to Felony
I need to share with you this clip, it is very raw and intense. Deep. Chris Drew speaks on “? “of Peddling to Felony This video clip marks/reveals the beginning of the legal journey, shot shortly after he was released on bond and started to redirect his energies on the challenges ahead. date: Dec.29, 2009. He is carrying on the workshops and getting the word/truth out by blogging, going to events, and meeting with counsel, bracing for the court proceedings. Backed by first his probono Attorney Mark Weinberg, for the Constitutional Challenge/Peddling-Civil Rights, then for the Challenge of Felony Eavesdropping (4-15 yrs if convicted), criminal defense, probono Attorney Joshua Kutnick. This court proceeding went on for 2.5 years. He gave his life to the cause. He won. we all won. But Chris would say “the fight is never over when it comes to your rights.”
Nancy Bechtol
See/Hear the raw interview with Chris:
Chris would call me and ask that I record him throughout the journey. I told him I would so here it is. He wanted a record of it all, and towards the end, asked me to “tell the story” I agreed. I accumulated countless hours in 5 different formats, from cell phone to DSLR (in the latter part for a few interviews) now the 99 min film you now will see– It is his story, it is the story of Free Speech. this clip is when I talked with Chris at the beginning of the ordeal, as he was out on a $20,000 bail and facing the 1st Class Felony Eavesdropping Charges. He speaks on the reasons he believes his challenge to the City’s Peddling Ordinance were dropped, and the Felony was imposed. his charges were deeply involved with others faced for years under this same law. Filmed on location The American Indian Center, Chicago location of the nonprofit he founded, the Uptown Multi-Cultural Arts Center, where he helped bridge the digital divide and inspire and teach for 25 years.Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre ,” Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” by Nancy Bechtol. Featuring indie Music by Behind the Sun-Andy Alton & David Mansfield “Paper Airplane” courtesy of Hey Now Records – one night only – 11.14.14 Friday 7:30 PM
See/Hear the Nancy Bechtol interview by Dan O’Donnell – Logan Square TV
An important documentary about street artist Chris Drew, and his challenges and victory defending First Amendment rights for all citizens, especially Artists. Chicago premiere at The Logan Theatre on Friday, 7:30pm November 14. The film, Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is a film by Nancy Bechtol. Literally thousands of people across Chicago know Chris Drew, because of his vibrant presence in Chicago’s art community.
Original Music featured in the film is courtesy of Hey Now Records. http://www.heynowrecords.com “Paper Airplane” by Behind the Sun` Andy Alton & David Mansfield.
IDEA MAN>Grimm Reaper| Free S.A.M|Schupp & Drew
IDEA MAN >Grimm Reaper| Free S.A.M | Schupp & Drew
Chris Drew knew how to include other people…he was a very all inclusive person…Chris would call me the Idea Man, since I would come up with all sorts of ideas for artwork..(etc.) that is what I do in the movement (Occupy).
He would ride his bike and have all these saddle bags and have all this screen print stuff, and we would go to different festivals..and he would be out there (UM-CAC Art of the TShirt) screenprinting and doing the patches (Art Patch Project)..and I would hold up patches and talk to people..
..always out there, always resilient, always in the face of the system..
© 2012 video – Ron Schupp: Chris Drew Legacy Interview #13. by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. Organizer for Free SAM. Free Speech Artists Movement. (note: “Chicago Five” case and the felony charges mentioned in this video –they were acquitted after 7 months through the judicial system) From the series of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life work.
SEE/Hear Ron Schupp:
—————————————Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre ,” Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” by Nancy Bechtol. Featuring indie Music by Behind the Sun-Andy Alton & David Mansfield “Paper Airplane” courtesy of Hey Now Records – one night only – 11.14.14 Friday 7:30 PM
See/Hear the Nancy Bechtol interview by Dan O’Donnell – Logan Square TV
An important documentary about street artist Chris Drew, and his challenges and victory defending First Amendment rights for all citizens, especially Artists. Chicago premiere at The Logan Theatre on Friday, 7:30pm November 14. The film, Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is a film by Nancy Bechtol. Literally thousands of people across Chicago know Chris Drew, because of his vibrant presence in Chicago’s art community.
Original Music featured in the film is courtesy of Hey Now Records. http://www.heynowrecords.com “Paper Airplane” by Behind the Sun` Andy Alton & David Mansfield.
No Justice No Peace: Diana Berek Speaks
No Justice No Peace : Berek Speaks
He (Chris Drew) wanted the City to re-examine the Harold Washington (Cultural) Plan. To de-centralize culture and bring it back into the neighborhoods. To de-centralize not only the initiatives, but the budgeting.
SEE/Hear Diana Berek
© 2012 video – Diana Berek: Chris Drew Legacy Interview #11. by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. From the series of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life work. © 2012 video/Chris Drew Legacy Interview #12. by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. talks with Diana Berek, speaks about her connection with Chris and a larger circle of concerns including grassroots connections, the early stages/feedback sessions on the Cultural Plan, advocacy for your own interests, Free Speech. Shot on location street side, B1E Gallery-Rogers Park. includes Lew Rosenbaum . Original Patches, designs by Diana Berek. This video is in a series (16) of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life.——————————————————————
Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre ,” Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” by Nancy Bechtol. Featuring indie Music by Behind the Sun-Andy Alton & David Mansfield “Paper Airplane” courtesy of Hey Now Records – one night only – 11.14.14 Friday 7:30 PM
See/Hear the Nancy Bechtol interview by Dan O’Donnell – Logan Square TV
An important documentary about street artist Chris Drew, and his challenges and victory defending First Amendment rights for all citizens, especially Artists. Chicago premiere at The Logan Theatre on Friday, 7:30pm November 14. The film, Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is a film by Nancy Bechtol. Literally thousands of people across Chicago know Chris Drew, because of his vibrant presence in Chicago’s art community.
Original Music featured in the film is courtesy of Hey Now Records. http://www.heynowrecords.com “Paper Airplane” by Behind the Sun` Andy Alton & David Mansfield.
“Chris Drew Way” & the 99% | Lew Rosenbaum Speaks
“Chris Drew Way”: & the 99%| Rosenbaum speaks
“The most important thing to say is that Chris Drew died as he lived, fighting all the way for the dispossessed and marginalized among us, for the right of artists to speak their mind and to survive; Chris devoted his life to providing the artistic means for people to discover their creativity and to participate in the transformation of society.” ~ Lew Rosenbaum, Chicago Labor and Arts Festival
SEE/Hear Lew Rosenbaum
© 2012 video/Chris Drew Legacy Interview #12. by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. talks with Lew Rosenbaum, speaks about his connection with Chris and a larger circle of concerns including public rights, grassroots connections, the “art patches” Free Speech. Shot on location street side, Rogers Park. includes Diana Berek. Patches, designs and Carlos Cortez connection. This video is in a series of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life.
Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre ,” Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” by Nancy Bechtol. Featuring indie Music by Behind the Sun-Andy Alton & David Mansfield “Paper Airplane” courtesy of Hey Now Records – one night only – 11.14.14 Friday 7:30 PM
See/Hear the Nancy Bechtol interview by Dan O’Donnell – Logan Square TV
An important documentary about street artist Chris Drew, and his challenges and victory defending First Amendment rights for all citizens, especially Artists. Chicago premiere at The Logan Theatre on Friday, 7:30pm November 14. The film, Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is a film by Nancy Bechtol. Literally thousands of people across Chicago know Chris Drew, because of his vibrant presence in Chicago’s art community.
Original Music featured in the film is courtesy of Hey Now Records. http://www.heynowrecords.com “Paper Airplane” by Behind the Sun` Andy Alton & David Mansfield.
“First Amendment 2-Fer” : Curtis Black speaks
“First Amendment 2-Fer”:Curtis Black speaks
Is a new generation of Artists and Activists going to step up and push this? Is the City Council going to take another look at this Street Peddler Ordinance and make it a little less onerous for artists ( abolish/change the Street Peddler Ordinance)
See hear/ Curtis Black
..(Chris Drew) He had this wise-ness, and sort of wild-ness to him, which made a big impression on me. He had this cause, which was revising, reforming this very draconian was the Street Peddler’s Ordinance, which has a lot of intricacies which don’t foster free expression..
First time I wrote about him was in Dec. ’09 when he was arrested. He was held for 2 days in Cook County jail, and he finds out they are dropping the charges on the ordinance he wanted to challenge-and they were charging him with this Felony for Eavesdropping, which was an amazing thing to find out that that law existed. So the piece I did was the “First Amendment 2-Fer” He wanted to make one First Amendment challenge, and he’s ending up making a very serious second First Amendment challenge at the same time.
So one of his legacies is that Anita Alvarez (Ill. State’s Attorney) is kinda on the spot on this and a number of other areas where she’s not pursuing police misconduct, in fact, she seems to be protecting-covering up police misconduct..
another (legacy of Chris) is that he was part of questioning this Eavesdropping Law, and that has gained so much momentum..
in a large part, due to his efforts.
Update: March 2014. The Illinois Eavesdropping Law was abolished by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Curtis Black speaks© 2012 video/Chris Drew Legacy Interview . by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. This video is in a series of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life. Chris Drew Legacy Interviews (16) Curtis Black, at the time of this interview, was Editor of Newstips and with the Community Media Workshop. shot on location at CAN TV..—————————————————————————-
Chris Drew, Exec. Director (volunteer) for the nonprofit organization he founded, UM-CAC, Uptown Multicultural Arts Center, his dedication to community helped bridge the digital divide for those who did not have access to computers. He ran workshops on computer use/internet at the American Indian Center, Uptown, Chicago started in the 90s aimed at people who did not have access to the technology. He taught hundreds how to silkscreen, and was active/founder of the Art Patch Project (The Art Patch Project (APP) uses art to promote social justice and free speech rights. Originally started by Chris Drew, a champion for First Amendment rights, APP is a unique project combining art, grassroots organizing, participatory learning, community building and entrepreneurship to raise awareness about free speech rights and other social justice issues and the FREE SAM (Free Speech Artists Movement) His passion for the arts and supporting our rights as citizens, especially for artists, was his lifetime commitment.———————————————————————————————–Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre ,” Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” by Nancy Bechtol. Featuring indie Music by Behind the Sun-Andy Alton & David Mansfield “Paper Airplane” courtesy of Hey Now Records – one night only – 11.14.14 Friday 7:30 PM
See/Hear the Nancy Bechtol interview by Dan O’Donnell – Logan Square TV
An important documentary about street artist Chris Drew, and his challenges and victory defending First Amendment rights for all citizens, especially Artists. Chicago premiere at The Logan Theatre on Friday, 7:30pm November 14. The film, Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is directed by Logan Square resident, Nancy Bechtol. Literally thousands of people across Chicago know Chris Drew, because of his vibrant presence in Chicago’s art community
Original Music featured in the film is courtesy of Hey Now Records. http://www.heynowrecords.com “Paper Airplane” by Behind the Sun` Andy Alton & David Mansfield.
“Courage is Like a Wild Horse” – Little Blue Bird speaks on Chris Drew’s Legacy
“Courage is Like a Wild Horse” : Little Blue Bird speaks
“Chris (Drew), he left his mark here, at the Center (American Indian Center)”..“..he was assertive when the call came for it.. ” I remember we were having a PowWow, and I saw him carrying all those TShirts, and on his bicycle!..he always kept his word” Chris was about encouraging people. ..He will be remembered.”~Sharon Okee-Chee Skolnick – Little Blue Bird_ Fort Sill-Apache Sioux
Bechtol notes: While I was deep into the process of editing this major film, Sharon gave me a a ‘doll’ she had handmade , “Comanche” an Apache warrior horse. I gazed upon the horse often, and The spirit of courage sustained me throughout the difficult times. “Where Courage Is Like a Wild Horse: The World of an Indian Orphanage” by
© 2012 video/Chris Drew Legacy Interview by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. Sharon Okee-Chee Skolnick, Artist and Archivist at the American Indian Center. Original Art in this Interview ©Sharon OKEE-Chee Skolnick. On location. The American Indian Center. Chicago. Chris Drew, was the Exec. Director of the Uptown Multi-Cultural Arts Center (volunteer position) located/housed at AIC for 25 years, on the 3rd floor and was a part of the community and taught many how to silkscreen for free, use and repair computers, and participated, and helped bridge the digital divide and develop programs at the AIC. This video is in a series of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life.
—————————————–Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre ,” Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” by Nancy Bechtol. Featuring indie Music by Behind the Sun-Andy Alton & David Mansfield “Paper Airplane” courtesy of Hey Now Records – one night only – 11.14.14 Friday 7:30 PM
See/Hear the Nancy Bechtol interview by Dan O’Donnell – Logan Square TV
An important documentary about street artist Chris Drew, and his challenges and victory defending First Amendment rights for all citizens, especially Artists. Chicago premiere at The Logan Theatre on Friday, 7:30pm November 14. The film, Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is directed by Logan Square resident, Nancy Bechtol. Literally thousands of people across Chicago know Chris Drew, because of his vibrant presence in Chicago’s art community
Original Music featured in the film is courtesy of Hey Now Records. http://www.heynowrecords.com “Paper Airplane” by Behind the Sun` Andy Alton & David Mansfield.
FREE SPEECH & Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness 